Mandshoved 17th century

Editor: This is "Mandshoved," an anonymous 17th-century baroque sculpture currently residing at the SMK. It seems to be a carved portrait of a man. He looks rather solemn, almost burdened by something. What strikes you when you look at this sculpture? Curator: What strikes me is the convergence of power, representation, and anonymity. Think about it – portraiture in the 17th century was a tool predominantly used by the elite to solidify their image and legacy. Yet, here we have an anonymous sculpture, and an anonymous artist. Who was this man? Why was he deemed worthy of being sculpted, and why is his and the artist’s identity lost to history? Editor: That's a fascinating point. So, are you suggesting this piece challenges traditional notions of power and visibility in art? Curator: Precisely! It invites us to question whose stories are told and whose are erased within historical narratives. The somber expression you noted could be interpreted as a reflection of the socio-political climate. Maybe he was part of a marginalized group. Who gets remembered and how their images are circulated is never neutral, is it? Editor: That makes me rethink my initial impression. It’s not just a portrait, it's a statement about who gets to be seen and remembered. Curator: Exactly. And what is rendered into permanent stone. By considering that context, this baroque sculpture can teach us so much about intersectional concepts of class, power, gender, and even race. Editor: Thank you! I will never look at sculptures the same way again!